By Samuel Ee

The new Audi Q3 is a compact performance sport-utility vehicle which the German premium carmaker says is right-sized for the city.

This 'urban-friendly' SUV may look like a downsized Q5, Audi's bigger and popular five-seat model, but it is not. For one, it's supposed to be sportier, with a sloping roof line and slanting rear pillar. For another, its luxe cabin signals the next generation of Audi design.

The exterior styling of the Q3 is quintessential Audi, with the large singleframe grille, muscular body lines and neat wraparound tailgate that hide the shut lines. But unique to this new car are its slim LED headlamps and tail lights.

Inside, the Q3 is surprisingly spacious. It is 4.4 metres long with a 2,603 mm wheelbase. But efficient interior packaging means that the Q3's front seats feel almost as spacious as those in the bigger Q5. One reason is that passengers sit upright and relatively high, with good all-round visibility.

Rear legroom is also good, and so is rear headroom. But although there are three seatbelts in the back, the rear bench is better suited for two adults.

The cabin feels upscale because much of the design comes straight from the latest Audi models such as the A8 full-sized limousine, A7 Sportback and A1 premium hatchback, for example, the LED interior light package (which even illuminates the centre cup holders) and the new three-spoke steering wheel.

Because of space constraints, the knob for Audi's familiar MMI (Multi Media Interface) is found on the dashboard, and it works a fold-down colour monitor like in the A1 supermini.

But otherwise, the full spectrum of Audi features is found in the Q3, including the familiar Audi Drive Select (ADS) feature, which can now be quickly activated by a hot button instead of accessing it using the MMI.

In addition to the ADS's usual Comfort, Auto and Dynamic modes to modulate throttle and engine response, as well as steering weight and gearshift points, a new Efficiency setting is introduced.

When chosen, the Efficiency mode moderates the cruise control and air-con system to improve fuel consumption. Another energy-saving trick is to disengage the clutch whenever the foot is off the gas pedal so that the Q3 coasts. For the driver, the only indication that this is happening is an 'E' appearing in the info display.

And that seems to be the best part of the Q3 - its ability to seamlessly combine performance and functionality. Its compact proportions and well-weighted steering allow for easy manoeuvring; three-point turns are surprisingly easy to execute. Also, the lower kerb weight - about 1,500 kg - and enthusiastic 2.0-litre turbocharged engine contribute to agile performance.

At the same time, quattro all-wheel-drive means its 211 hp and 300 Nm of torque are delivered via a seven-speed S tronic wet dual-clutch transmission to all four wheels, so this baby Audi always manages to feel nimbly confident.

All these attributes add up to make the Q3 a very attractive little number.

This was first published in The Business Times.

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